The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) recently held a symposium focusing on manufacturing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The event was opened by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WIPO Director General Daren Tang, and WHO Assistant Director-General Dr. Yukiko Nakatani. They highlighted the significant health, economic, and social impacts of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral efforts, they called for investment and policy reform to address the growing burden of these diseases.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala pointed out that NCDs are responsible for 74% of global deaths but have not been prioritized despite the urgent need for innovation in prevention and treatment technologies. She urged collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance manufacturing capacities worldwide.
Reflecting on COVID-19 pandemic lessons, Okonjo-Iweala identified three key insights: "First, open trade is necessary for scaling up production... Second, swift... understandings around intellectual property are preferable... And third, overconcentration in manufacturing... becomes a vulnerability when a crisis hits."
Director General Tang stressed that innovations addressing NCDs must reach grassroots levels to create real impact. He suggested developing dynamic ecosystems in trade, health, or innovation as long-term solutions. "This ecosystems approach will also allow those who are setting up local manufacturing capabilities not just to be a centre of manufacturing," he added.
Assistant DG Nakatani emphasized access to affordable health technologies as fundamental human rights. She noted that millions with NCDs lack necessary treatments due to high costs and limited availability. Looking ahead to the UN General Assembly on NCD Prevention in 2025, she saw an opportunity for a new framework grounded in evidence and human rights.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar delivered the keynote address highlighting potential advances during this scientific golden age but warned against increasing inequality if equality isn't prioritized in science development.
The symposium included panel discussions moderated by various experts discussing strategies to reduce global NCD burdens; challenges in enhancing manufacturing capacities; and how intellectual property can enable innovative technologies addressing NCDs.
In closing remarks by Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill underscored fostering environments encouraging research while ensuring treatments remain accessible globally. She stressed open trade rules' importance in enabling market entrants creating resilient supply chains.